York Council has released a new set of guidelines for holiday rental owners – including tips for ensuring their guests are considerate of neighbours.
The advice comes in the wake of a host of concerns about the impact of Airbnb rentals in the city.
York Central MP Rachael Maskell said Airbnb’s ‘party houses’ were causing a ‘nightmare’ on some quiet residential streets.
She has introduced a bill to authorize short-term accommodation and vacation rentals. The government is also considering nationwide regulation of vacation rentals.
Meanwhile, York City Council today released Tips for Vacation Rental Owners.
Under a heading, Managing your guestsit is said:
- Owners of seasonal rentals are required to ensure that their property does not cause any nuisance (in particular noise pollution) to local residents.
- If regular noise problems arise, landlords could receive a noise reduction notice from the council, requiring them to prevent it from happening again. If the notice is breached, they could be prosecuted or fined up to £20,000
- Let owners consider collecting a ‘damage’ bond that can be withheld in the event of a noise complaint, in addition to damage to the property itself
- Holiday home owners “must provide their contact details to all neighbors of the holiday rental, so that they can report any noise or anti-social behavior to you. This should include a 24-hour contact phone number, and we recommend that such complaints are dealt with promptly and responsibly.”
- Owners should provide customers with clear guidance and advice that should:
- include rules to minimize anti-social behavior and disruption to neighbors
- specify that playing music and making noise should be kept within reasonable limits, especially after 11 p.m.
The council has also provided three posters which can be downloaded and displayed on the property, saying “Let’s be respectful”, “Let’s be considerate” and “Let’s remember our neighbours”.
Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Communities, said: “These guidelines are intended to provide clarity to the industry and to anyone considering opening a new vacation rental.
“While the Government is currently considering national regulations for holiday rentals, we are very aware of the impact they can have on local residents and neighborhoods and we are doing what we can locally to support residents.
“The guide will help ensure that anyone considering or running such a business is aware of their responsibilities.”
The advice comes as the proportion of visitors staying in self-catering accommodation in York rose from 6% in 2016 to 19% in 2022.
Last year, Ms Maskell said there were 2,000 Airbnbs in York and that number was expected to grow rapidly.
As well as trying to reduce anti-social behavior, council advice covers a range of landlord responsibilities, including:
- Do I need to apply for a planning permit?
- If the owner pays professional rates
- How to ensure the safety of guests in the property
- How to dispose of waste safely and properly.
You can read instructions here.
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